Let what comes out of the bell speak for itself...
My father (Popz) would tell me this all of the time and I use to only attribute this advice to my trumpet playing. I started playing when I was eight years old and I always found myself in musical situations where everyone else were many years older than me. I was obsessed with doing my best and proving that I could handle the challenge in front of me. Well, the obsession of tackling big problems and proving they could work hasn't stopped. Four years ago I met with one of the principal's of … [Read more...]

After a year of serving the 80 children and families at St. Francis de Sales School in West Philadelphia through the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra's Tune Up Philly program, I am very excited to share with you the news that I continue to serve the same children and community under a new banner - Play On, Philly! (POP). Two weeks ago, we launched POP for 110 children at St. Francis, engaging the 80 children from last season while increasing our enrollment this season. There are 17 professional Teaching Artists that work with these children every … [Read more...]

Over the past year, I've had several people encourage me to write a book. I always laugh. My third, eighth, and eleventh grade teachers all encouraged me to stick to the trumpet... and believe me, it wasn't because they thought I was a good trumpet player. However, after two years of planning and implementing a music program based on solid social values, I've learned a lot through the process and want to share my thoughts and findings. As the after school music program at St. Francis de Sales School continues under a new banner, I'm sure there … [Read more...]

Stanford Thompson

Stanford Thompson is a musician and educator who is passionate about using music for social innovation and serves as the CEO for the El Sistema-inspired program, Play On, Philly! As a trumpeter, Mr. Thompson has performed and soloed with major orchestras around the world while actively performing chamber music and jazz. As a conductor and educator... [Read More …]

Orchestras Everywhere

I’ve had several people encourage me to write a book. I always laugh. My third, eighth, and eleventh grade teachers all encouraged me to stick to the trumpet… and believe me, it wasn’t because they thought I was a good trumpet player. However, after years of planning and implementing an El … [Read More...]